Dr. Melissa Christine Paquette is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at a pediatric clinic in Kamloops, BC, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Paquette focuses on preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Her approach emphasizes family-centered care and fostering a trusting relationship with her young patients and their families, ensuring a supportive environment for health and well-being.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Pediatrician from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and ongoing education ensure she remains current with the latest pediatric care practices, guidelines, and innovations. Dr. Paquette has also completed additional certifications relevant to her specialty, further enhancing her ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in her practice.
Driven by a philosophy of holistic, family-oriented, and evidence-based practice, Dr. Paquette is committed to supporting the health and development of her young patients. She collaborates closely with families and other healthcare professionals to deliver personalized care tailored to each child's unique needs. Fluent in English, she strives to create a welcoming and approachable atmosphere where families feel comfortable discussing their concerns and questions. Her dedication is focused on ensuring that every child in Kamloops receives the best possible start in life with a healthcare provider they can trust.
Dr. Melissa Paquette provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds, Flu, Sinusitis): Frequent viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses in children.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa - initial assessment & coordination): Serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and ability to function.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Melissa Paquette.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Comprehensive Well-Child Visits (Infancy through Adolescence): Regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, nutrition, and overall health, including physical exams and age-appropriate guidance.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Paquette or your healthcare team for details relevant to your child's care.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Paquette's practice is located in a family-friendly pediatric clinic situated in the heart of Kamloops, in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighbourhood. Easily accessible via the Major Access Route, the clinic is well-served by the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit), making it convenient for families traveling by public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a comfortable environment for young patients. Ample parking options include metered street parking and nearby parking lots, ensuring ease of access for families visiting for appointments.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Paquette covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Paquette are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Some specialized tests, procedures, or medications prescribed by a subspecialist may require pre-authorization or might have specific coverage criteria. It's always a good idea to confirm coverage details with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or Dr. Paquette's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Paquette, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Paquette is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Paquette is a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a Pediatric Cardiologist or Developmental Pediatrician), a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required for services to be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). It's best to check with Dr. Paquette's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. You may be able to book an appointment directly, especially if the practice is accepting new patients, or for newborn care.
- How does Dr. Paquette help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Paquette plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Paquette's office is closed?
- Dr. Paquette's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Paquette will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.
- When should I take my child to see Dr. Paquette if they are sick?
- You should contact Dr. Paquette's office if your child has symptoms that concern you, such as a high or persistent fever (especially in infants), difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, few wet diapers), severe pain, vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent or severe, a rash you're unsure about, unusual lethargy or irritability, or if your child just doesn't seem like themselves. The clinic staff can help determine if your child needs to be seen and how soon. For emergencies, always go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
202-474 Columbia St
Kamloops, BC V2C 2T5
Phone: (250) 374-3300 | Fax: (250) 374-8837
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Paquette is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Dr. Paquette may accept new patients directly for general pediatric care or via referral, depending on clinic policy. Please contact the clinic for information on new patient registration and any referral requirements for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337268/Paquette%2CMelissa